Behind the Sermon

This is a sermon-only episode.

This is a sermon-only episode.

This is a sermon-only episode.

28 | Mount of Transfiguration - October 10, 2020 The latest episode of Behind the Sermon is the first in the Mountains and Valleys series that focuses on a New Testament mountain: the Mount of Transfiguration, or Mount Tabor. This sermon asks Jesus’ purpose in interacting with his disciples in this way, and invites us to consider what we might learn about faith, doubt, and believing in Jesus. The central question for each person is, “Who do you say Jesus is?” Check out the Video version of...

27 | Mount Carmel - October 3, 2020 The latest episode of Behind the Sermon is about Elijah’s confrontation of Ahab and Jezebel on Mount Carmel, and also his avoidance of conflict with Jezebel, hiding in the cave on Mount Horeb. Pastor Kristopher explores the ways in which we deal with conflict in constructive and unhelpful manners - and encourages listeners to take courage and know that God is with them through it all. Check out the Video version of this episode here:...

26 | Mount Nebo - September 26, 2020 - Check out the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/yuoyZnlX6kk In this episode of BTS, Kristopher discusses the difficult life circumstance of "change" (which of course, is more difficult for certain personalities than for others!). Among other things, he explores pop culture influences on our perception of change, and how to move through it constructively. The sermon is based on the story of Moses in Deuteronomy, passing leadership to...

In this episode, Kristopher discusses Abraham and Isaac and the story of Isaac's binding or the "Adekah". He talks about the way in which we cope with loss and the threat of loss in ways inherited through culture: some de-constructive and some constructive. Check out the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYYH7IMrjow&pbjreload=101 Learn more about the show at: www.behindthesermon.com or www.krisloewen.com Resources: 1 . Jon Dybdahl's book "Hunger" -...

Past sermon and conversation with Caleb Henry from August, 2019

Psalm 136 sermon (Zoom edition)

Psalm 51 sermon (Zoom edition)

Psalm 119 sermon (Zoom edition)

In the wake of the COVID19 self-quarantine chaos, Pastor Kristopher recorded this week’s episode while live on Facebook. Parts 4 & 5 will be released in the next few days if all goes to plan. This week’s episode continues the sermon series, “Misquoting Scripture”, exploring a quote that is very common in Christian circles: “God helps those who help themselves”. In his sermon, pastor Kristopher takes issue with some aspects of this familiar saying, leading listeners to the heart of God’s...

The sermon series, “Misquoting Scripture” continues with part two in this episode. Kristopher Loewen preaches on common sayings that address a common issue known as “the problem of evil”: making sense of a good and powerful God in light of a world undeniably filled with suffering. Some of those sayings include “everything happens for a reason” and “ God never gives us more than we can handle”. In his sermon, pastor Kristopher challenges these explanations and suggests a view of God that...

Pastor Kristopher’s newest series explores sayings and wisdom commonly attributed to the Bible, but whose source is not scripture. Either misquotes, misreadings, or misuses, their negative impact on faith formation and healthy views of God and humanity are common. In the opening message of the series, Kristopher unpacks the phenomenon and challenges listeners to engage deeply with scripture, read it themselves, and engage with the wisdom of experts along the way. Pastor Kristopher Loewen...

The final sermon in Kristopher’s series about Grief and Loss exploring the book of Lamentations, this message explores timing, “when is the process of grief over?” Pastor Kristopher’s answer to the question explores the strange way in which loss is sometimes transformed into a gift. Among the topics he explores is the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, and Pat Schweibert’s stellar book, “Tear Soup”. Pastor Kristopher Loewen preaches this and many of his sermons from the pulpit at the Redlands...

This episode features the fourth sermon in the series on Grief and Loss through the book of Lamentations, asking the question, “how do we help our loved ones as they process their own grief?” Pastor Kristopher encourages listeners to be present with their suffering friends and family, while also being cognizant of their own projections and grief processes. This message features a brief discussion of the Jewish concept of Shiva, as well as other practical tips for empathetically supporting...

The third sermon in the series on Grief and Loss through the book of Lamentations, this one asks the question, “how do we go through grief in constructive ways?” The primary answer given in the sermon is that we grieve best in community as opposed to isolation. Among other things, this sermon connects to the Christian practice of communion and footwashing, along with encouragement to connect with one another. Pastor Kristopher Loewen preaches this and many of his sermons from the pulpit at...

This episode features the second sermon of a series on grief and loss. In particular, this installment explores anger as a common feature of any process of grief. Pastor Kristopher Loewen preaches this and many of his sermons from the pulpit at the Redlands Adventist Church in Redlands, California. Each episode of Behind the Sermon features audio of the sermon as it was, along with commentary and reflections on how it came to be. — Once again, The Otter App :) Sermon writing desk picture:...

Pastor Kristopher begins the new year with a sermon series from the book of Lamentations on the human experience of grief and loss. This sermon explores some of the basics of loss and invites listeners to consider giving voice and "naming" their suffering. As is the case most weeks, Kristopher Loewen preaches this sermon from the pulpit at the Redlands Adventist Church in Redlands, California. Each episode of Behind the Sermon features audio of the sermon as it was, along with commentary and...

During the summer of 2019, Kristopher preached a topical sermon series on personal calling. This not-yet-published episode was recorded in August with some current embellishments. Please excuse the dated segment names and even subject matter. Kristopher will be back to the regular preaching calendar beginning January 4, 2020. Pastor Kristopher Loewen preaches this and many of his sermons from the pulpit at the Redlands Adventist Church in Redlands, California. Each episode of Behind the...